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Proud moment as Michael leads out elite athletes

MICHAEL KING experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the weekend during the Sainsbury’s British Athletics Championships as he took to the track alongside the UK’s finest.

The 29-year-old, who works at Sainsbury’s in Uxbridge, led out the country’s finest women’s 1,500m runners, including eventual British champion Laura Weightman, at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium on Saturday.

Michael, who has worked for Sainsbury’s for nearly 11 years, performed his role in front of a capacity crowd and is adamant he won’t be forgetting the experience any time soon.

“I found the whole experience really exciting and very humbling,” he said. “It reminds you that the hard work you put in is recognised by the company.

“To lead out the athletes was amazing. I got to see their dedication to the sport and the experience of seeing that just makes you think about the kind people that are around.

“The dedication they put into their work is humbling for me because I know it’s a difficult thing, especially if you’re training in this country when the weather isn’t the best.”

Michael was one of almost 50 Sainsbury’s colleagues from across the UK to lead out an event across the three days of the British Championships at the Alexander Stadium.

“I’m an athletics fan and I used to compete in athletics when I was younger,” he said, “but I probably didn’t have the same dedication as the athletes at these championships or didn’t believe in myself enough.”

Sainsbury’s is proud to support British athletics through the Summer Series events and committed to helping young people lead healthier, more active lifestyles. For more information visit www.sainsburys.co.uk/legacy